Contactless Chalets – The Shape of Things to Come?
10th March 2021
Last modified on May 12th, 2021
Ski France is offering 50 so-called ‘Contactless Chalets’ across some of the major resorts in France. With Brexit rules on employing British staff and Covid-19 restrictions it is a new product on the market.
Guests arrive at their Ski France chalet and find food in the fridge, cool beer or chilled wine ready to drink, firewood stacked and beds made.
There will be a selection of fresh ingredients to cook with, easy recipes to follow and dishes prepared by a local delicatessen.
Skis or snowboards will be reserved at the local hire shop and lift passes booked.
Halfway through the week, when the guests are out skiing, the backstage chalet crew will clean the accommodation from top to bottom, replace towels and re-stock the fridge and cupboards.
Staff will be at the end of the phone whenever needed, but there will be no contact unless necessary or wished for.
For guests who prefer a more bespoke food offering, Ski France also offers an ‘à-la-carte’ option.
Here, guests can choose from a much longer provisions list and pay for what they want.
Produce will then be purchased by the local in-resort team and stocked in the chalet, ready for the week.
Ski France says there will be no mark up on the purchased provisions.
For families and friends wanting to do their own shopping and eat at local restaurants, they can take the chalet “as is” and order little or no food from the provisions list.
Resorts on offer are Val d’Isère, Tignes, Méribel, Courchevel, La Tania, Les Menuires, La Plagne and Alpe d’Huez.
Staying at a contactless-catered chalet can also be good value, with a week’s stay costing from less than £420 per person.
“In a world that has been disrupted by the pandemic, we have the answer for the 2021/22 ski season,” said the Sales & Marketing Director of Ski France, Joanna Laforge.
“We can now offer chalet holidays “2.0” with an affordable price tag, working with local professional staff, all in a contactless environment.
“In our contactless catered chalets guests will still be looked after, from behind the scenes; allowing families and friends to relax in their safe, social bubble.
“This modern twist will entice a new generation of skiers to discover affordable chalet holidays”.
Brexit rules and the ending of the free movement of labour for UK nationals have also played a significant part in the move.
It is now more complex and expensive to use British staff in ski resorts – Contactless Chalets require fewer staff and locals can be used.
Full details can be found here and we reproduce answers to some FAQs on the company’s web site:
How does it work?
Four days before arrival we will send you a comprehensive provisions list with everything you would want for your holiday. That might be oven-ready meals, or the ingredients you’ll need for Bolognaise, Soufflés or Cheese Fondues.
Dry goods, dairy, fresh fruit and veg, fresh meat or fish, beers, wines, whatever, all bought for you and stocked in advance. Beds will be made, bathrobes and slippers in the bathrooms, logs in the fireplace.
Midweek, when you are out skiing, the professional concierge team will be back. Towels changed, beds made, chalet fully cleaned, fridge restocked.
Is it expensive?
There’s a cost for providing the services but it’s built into the price. The provisions we collect in advance will be billed transparently at cost price with no mark-up.
However, the whole chalet will be better value than you’ll have paid last year. Why? Because you’ll be paying local professional staff to provision, clean and care for your chalet.
What if we want more, like our own chef?
We aim to provide the safest possible environment for a ski holiday, whilst offering affordability that is more important than ever. The new way to holiday will be by enjoying the facilities, food and beverages but without the staff waiting on you hand and foot. That will keep things safe and affordable.
However, for those in search of a little more luxury, we are able provide drivers, chefs, daily cleaning, ski lessons etc, all of which can be discussed on booking or with our concierge service prior to arrival.
What measures are in place for protecting us from Covid?
Our teams have cleaning and safety protocols to follow and we have reinforced the cleaning process with the recommended products to ensure the safety for all.
Particular attention is paid to frequent points of contact (door handles, remote controls, light switches…). The chalet is thoroughly aired prior to arrival and staff wear masks and gloves at all time whilst working.
The chalets have been divided into two groups, Classic and Premium:
Ski France Classic chalets are spread across leading ski resorts and provide good-value accommodation, fully stocked larders and contactless catering at an affordable price.
Ski France Premium chalets feature some of the best chalets in top resorts – they provide high levels of comfort, quality food and drink in the kitchen and seamless contactless service.
The chalets can be booked through the Ski France web site and selected Ski Agents, including SNO and Ski Solutions, are also offering the product.
Ski France has been specialising in holidays throughout France since 1988.
With 58 mountain destinations Ski France claims to offer great value holiday options that cater for all styles and budgets.
For peace of mind, Ski France has a free cancellation policy – for more information, please look at the Book With Confidence charter.
